Annie's Earthy Nest In Echo Park

We were thrilled to find out that Annie lived in our backyard of Echo Park (making this House Tour right around the corner). As we strolled up to her complex, we instantly felt like we were in Palm Springs, 1962. Thanks to the management company that owns Annie's building, they overhauled it, taking it back in time (but in the best way possible).

Concrete floors have replaced dreary carpets and vintage modern lighting throughout makes Annie's space open and bright. A master of the vignette, Annie has collected animal bones, feathers and vintage prints and displays them all with ease. Not afraid of color with bright and bold accent pieces, she sticks to neutral walls and furniture which helps showcase her amazing finds. We also like her choice to go sans rugs in the living room and kitchen--highlighting the sleek concrete floors which adds to the square footage.

Favorite Element: I originally took the apartment because of the floors (but admit now I kind of miss hardwood). I really love all the random little knick-knacks I have collected from travel, thrift stores, gifts, and crafting. I like to look at each piece and remember how I acquired it and what it means to me. Like the road atlas on the coffee table that was my parents, the postcards on the fridge my friends made me, the pieces of wood I got in Cayucos, CA, and the Native American shield in the bedroom I found at a thirft store in the valley for $7.99! I also really like closing the curtains to my closet, as the room becomes clean and huge in an instant!

Biggest Challenge: Hanging those curtains in the bedroom as well as the shelves above the kitchen sink all by myself. Fitting everything was also a challenge and finding a space for all my art/craft stuff. Still not an ideal work space, but it works.

What Friends Say: "Will you come decorate my house?"

Biggest Embarrassment: The litter box (as there is no place to hide it), the large antenna for my TV, the old kitchen sink--and I also tend to kill plants.

Proudest DIY: No super big DIY...just a bunch of small things like repainting a mirror, a dresser, etc. The photo wall is mostly my pictures. I guess the fact that I did everything in the apartment by myself with little input from others is pretty good.

Biggest Indulgence: The couch that I purchased from Blueprint a few years ago.

Best advice: If you see something and you like it, buy it! Don't be afraid to move things around often. Find inspiration!

Dream source: A kitchen and backyard from almost any house in dwell and some great wallpaper... and maybe a dishwasher!